Pastor’s Reflection for May 29, 2016

This Monday we celebrate Memorial Day. It is a day we remember all those who gave their lives in service for their country. They died so that we could enjoy the benefits of freedom. Let us not take for granted the blessings that we have as citizens of this country. Let us also be vigilant so that we do not lose our basic freedoms which are currently under assault. We see the tendency of government taking over some basic human rights and dictating how we are to live. In the areas of religion, we see instead of freedom of religion it is changed to freedom of worship. Some defend this as separation of Church and state. Basically, you can go to Church and worship freely but don’t bring your religion out into the marketplace. As Christians, we are not to hide our faith and be silenced as to what we believe. The only thing not permitted is for a religion to force itself to be an official state religion. That is the statement of the separation of Church and state. Thus, I should be allowed to live out my faith in the public square. If you think of it, what part of my Christian faith harms society? I believe in just wages, respecting the life of people from conception to natural death, respecting the property of others, respecting the religion of others, giving services to the mentally ill, and living as a good citizen. What part of being a Christian is detrimental and dangerous to our society?

Memorial Day is also a day that we remember our beloved dead. A spiritual work of mercy is to pray for the dead. We believe that some souls need to have a period of cleansing before they enter the fullness of life in the kingdom of heaven. This is what we call Purgatory. We can hasten their cleansing by offering a Mass, saying prayers, offering up our sufferings, almsgiving, and works of charity. May this day remind us of remembering in prayer our beloved who have died. May they enjoy the fullness of life in the kingdom of heaven.

This is also a day for us to acknowledge that life is a journey. One day we will die for this is not our lasting homeland. Each day is a gift. Let us live our lives as faithful disciples of the Lord. May each day brings us closer to Jesus so we can look forward to meeting the Lord when our journey comes to an end.

This Friday, we celebrate the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We thank the Lord for His faithful, unconditional love. His heart continues to beat with love for us. You are loved. The God of all creation, the God who is eternal and above all that is, loves you.

I will be available for confessions on Tuesday, May 31, from 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.